This study aimed to determine the mimosine level and examine the male reproductive toxicity effects of Leucaena leucocephala (LL) shoot tips plus young leaf extract. Mimosine level in LL extract was determined by thin layer chromatography before administration in animals. Male rats were divided into control and LL (1,500 mg/KgBW) groups (n = 6). After 60 days of experiment, serum sex hormones, sperm quality, and testicular histopathology were assayed and observed. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and expressions of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and phosphorylated proteins in testicular lysate were examined by western blotting. Results showed that mimosine levels in LL extract was 17.35 ± 1.12 % of dry weight. LL significantly decreased FSH & LH levels, sperm qualities, and seminiferous tubule diameter compared to the control (p<0.05). Seminiferous tubular atrophies, germ cell sloughing, and degenerations were observed in LL group. In addition, testicular MDA level and StAR protein expression were significantly decreased in LL group. LL extract could increase the expression of a 50 kDa phohorylated protein in testicular lysate. In conclusion, LL extract has mimosine and reproductive toxicity effects on males.
KEY WORDS: Leucaena leucocephala; Shoot tips plus young leaf; Mimosine; Male reproductive system; Rats.
